EU’s ICS2 rules come into force

Airfreight shippers and freight forwarders must ensure compliance with Release two of the European Union’s (EU) new Import Control System (ICS2) from March 1.

Logistics company Dimerco warned that non-compliance will run the risk of delays and possible fines.

The system, implemented to better identify high-risk cargo, requires shippers to submit more detailed data, prior to arrival, on all goods shipped to or transiting through the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland.

“Essentially, the EU is asking for shipment data at a much more granular level. Without the proper HS code and a detailed description of goods at the line-item level, the shipment security filing cannot be done on time and your shipment will likely be delayed,” said Dimerco.

The company stated the consequences of failing to adhere to the new data requirements include shipments being put on hold, rejection of shipment and possible intervention by customs authorities, fines and possible sanctions; and disruption to a company’s supply chain.

The responsible party must pay the costs for waiting times, storage fees and efforts associated with inspections or other correction procedures.

Before departure, pre-loading advanced cargo information must be submitted to European country customs authorities for review.

The data needs to be provided to forwarders at the booking stage since the details need to be loaded into their system to ensure proper documentation is submitted to airlines prior to departure. This data set is also sent to the ICS2 system.

The pre-loading and pre-arrival messages are referred to as the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

After evaluating the data, EU customs assigns each shipment one of 4 status ratings: 1) Approved to load, 2) Request for information, 3) Request for screening, 4) Do not load.

In May last year, software firm Dakosy urged the air cargo industry to start preparing for ICS2.

The European Commission had also warned companies to make sure they were prepared for the new requirements.

The EC said that the new rules mean that all freight forwarders, air carriers, express couriers, and postal operators transporting goods to or through the European Union (EU), including Norway and Switzerland, will be required to submit advance cargo information in the form of a complete entry summary declaration (ENS).

The EC said that companies are strongly advised to prepare in advance for Release 2, in order to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance.

The information previously needed be submitted four hours before arrival, but will now need to be input before shipments are loaded onto an aircraft.

European Commission urges air cargo to prepare for new security requirements